Freshwater Aquarist

Popular Fish Species for your Aquarium

Here are some of the most popular freshwater fish species that are commonly kept in aquariums, each with unique characteristics and care requirements.

A common rule of thumb for how many freshwater fish you can keep in an aquarium is to allow about 1 inch of fish per gallon of water; however, this can vary depending on the specific fish species, their adult size, activity level, and bioload, with heavily planted or densely stocked tanks often needing more filtration and swimming room.

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Banded Archerfish

Banded Archerfish

Overview The Banded Archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix) is famous for shooting jets of water to knock insects off overhanging plants. Widespread from India through Southeast Asia to northern Australia and the western Pacific. Grows to about 12 in (30 cm). Lives mainly in...

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Harlequin Rasbora

Harlequin Rasbora

Overview The Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) is a classic schooling fish with a copper body and a black triangle on the rear half. Native to southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra and Borneo. Grows to about 1.8 in (4.5 cm) standard...

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Glowlight Rasbora

Glowlight Rasbora

Overview The Glowlight Rasbora (Trigonopoma pauciperforatum), also sold as the redline rasbora, is a slim rasbora with a glowing orange-to-gold stripe. Native to Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra and Borneo. Grows to about 2.4 in (6 cm) standard length. Lives in...

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Espes Rasbora

Espes Rasbora

Overview The Espe's Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei), also called the false harlequin or lambchop rasbora, is a small copper-orange rasbora with a black wedge mark. Native to forest streams in southwestern and southeastern Thailand and nearby Cambodia. Grows to about 1.2...

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